Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Partially Resected Edentulous Mandible Using Twin-Occlusion- A Case Report

Abstract

Mandibular defects arising as a result of trauma, infections or ablative tumor surgery usually cause significant facial deformity, functional disabilities, and psychological problems. Successful prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with partially resected edentulous mandible can be an especially challenging task for a prosthodontist. Apart from the deviation of the remaining mandibular segment, other dysfunctions are observed in mastication, speech, swallowing, respiration, salivary control and mandibular movements which can severely compromise the prosthetic prognosis. Hence, it becomes imperative to judiciously apply the basic principles of denture construction in such cases to obtain optimum retention, stability, support, esthetics & function. The present case report describes the successful prosthetic rehabilitation of an edentulous mandibulectomy patient using two rows of non-anatomic teeth on the unresected side of the maxillary prosthesis. The inner (palatal) row helped in restoring the function while the outer (buccal) row improved the cheek support and esthetics. Non-anatomic teeth were used to minimize the lateral displacing forces and enhance the stability of the dentures. The incorporation of twin-occlusion in this case helped in achieving a satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome of treatment.